I’ve had a few questions lately about what to wear with dark wash jeans, so today I’m teaming up with Talbots to style these dark wash denim jeggings two ways.

Light wash jeans have been having a moment, and they certainly have their place, but dark wash denim is a timeless style that is always polished and sophisticated.

Before we get started, I want to let you know that Talbots just launched their Friends & Family Sale, and you can save 40% off your entire purchase from now until 10/25!

First, I styled these dark wash jeggings with a camel cardigan over a basic white tank.

This tank is a really nice layering piece to have in your closet. It’s a cotton/modal blend with just a hint of spandex, so it’s stretchy and soft but not so tight as to show all the lumps and bumps.

I shared this cardigan in my Try-On Haul last weekend, and I think y’all might have bought it out! The toasted caramel color way is suddenly gone in several sizes, but you could wear any of the other colors with this outfit.

With dark wash jeans and a white tank, you can pretty much put any color cardigan on top. It’s just a matter of what appeals to you.

No matter what color you choose, I highly recommend this cardigan for your consideration.

We’ve discussed how some cardigans can read frumpy, but this one does not. It has a flattering slim fit with clean lines, traditional shoulder seams, and subtle details like the ribbed trim and external pockets.

Plus, it is suuuuper soft and feels wonderful on. I also like how it ends mid-thigh, so you should be able to wear longer coat over it in the wintertime without it showing below.

For size reference, I’m wearing a small in both the tank and cardigan, and they fit perfectly. I would not recommend sizing down, as I sometimes do in long cardigans.

These jeans have a high rise and a super skinny fit for a sleek, slender appearance. They also have a slimming panel to smooth, sculpt and contour where you need it most.

As usual, Talbots carries a wide range of sizes to fit just about every body. These denim jeggings come in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite sizes, ranging from 0 – 24.

I actually ordered the petite to get the 26 1/2″ inseam. (The regular length has a 29″ inseam, which is a classic ankle length; but I knew I’d be pairing them with these higher shaft ankle boots, so I wanted more of a crop fit.)

Speaking of the boots… aren’t these gorgeous? I love the chocolate brown suede for a change from the grey and taupe shades I’ve been wearing so much lately.

They’re very well-made, with a leather upper and memory foam footbed for extra comfort. The 2 1/4″ stacked block heel gives you a nice boost in height, but it’s still very walkable, and the almond toe is universally flattering and won’t go out of style.

Since all of these pieces are very plain, I felt like a bold accessory was in order. I added this tortoise link statement necklace, and I love how it sits perfectly into the scoop neck of the tank.

It’s adjustable with 3 settings, so you can make it different lengths depending on your outfit and body type. (I’m wearing it on the shortest setting.)

See how the necklace gives a focal point to the outfit? That was the finishing touch it needed, and I love how the tortoiseshell brings in the brown from the boots.

I also wore these classic gold twist hoop earrings and a textured gold bangle (similar here).

Both pieces support the necklace without competing with it, and are in keeping with this modern, classic fall look.

For my second look, I swapped out the tank/cardigan combo for a cable cowlneck sweater.

This look is very simple, but the sweater has several elements of interest, making it the focal point of this look.

In addition to the cable pattern and the relaxed cowlneck, it has a fun gold button detail at the sides and contrast stitching on the arms.

And doesn’t the mariner blue marl make such a pretty contrast against the dark wash jeans?

Also, notice how there is low contrast between the dark wash jeans and the chocolate brown boots. This creates a long, lean leg line, whereas pairing two higher contrast colors would chop up the look and make my legs look stumpy.

I get a lot of questions about socks and ankle boots when the weather gets cold, and I would definitely wear socks with this outfit. Since they will show a little, I’d go with a navy blue or even black, so they blend in with the jeans, like these melange trouser socks.

You could have fun with it and wear a print if it suits your style aesthetic, but personally, I’d go with the solid navy.

And since colder weather is on its way, I also added a quilted jacket, making it the perfect casual outfit for a crisp fall day. This jacket has such a flattering silhouette.

Unfortunately, the navy did sell out, but it’s still available in royal blue, light brown, and a golden mustard.

I actually think that light brown would look amazing with this outfit, and it would complement so many other fall looks as well.

I feel like you can really tell quality with a quilted coat, and this one feels smooth and silky to the touch. Plus, it fits nicely around the back and arms, and it has a front snap placket with a concealed zipper.

It comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite sizes; and it runs true to size. I’m wearing my usual small.

I hope these outfits with classic wear-now pieces give you some ideas for styling your dark wash jeans for fall!

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photos: Alison Cornell